Question

Determine whether the results below appear to have statistical significance, and also determine whether the results have practical significance,

In a study of a weight loss program, 7 subjects lost an average of 50lbs. It is found that there is about a 38% chance of getting such results with a diet that has no effect.
A) Statistically significant; Practically significant.
B) Statistically significant; Practically insignificant.
C) Statistically insignificant; Practically significant.
D) Statistically insignificant; Practically insignificant.

Answer 1

The weight loss program's results are not statistically significant given a 38% chance of achieving the results by chance, which is above the 5% threshold. However, the average weight loss of 50 pounds per person could be considered practically significant due to its potential health benefits.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine whether the results of a weight loss program are statistically significant or have practical significance, we must consider both the probability of achieving these results by chance and the real-world impact of the weight loss. A result is typically considered statistically significant if there is less than a five percent chance that it occurred by chance. In this case, a 38% chance of achieving the results with an ineffective diet suggests that the results are not statistically significant because the percentage is well above the 5% threshold. Therefore, based on statistical significance alone, we cannot confidently claim the diet's effectiveness.

Considering practical significance, an average weight loss of 50 pounds per person could be considered to have practical significance as it is a substantial amount of weight and likely to have significant health benefits for the individuals involved. Thus, despite the lack of statistical significance, the results could still be practically significant.